Perth, WA (Oct 8, 2002) - OpenSearch Pty. Ltd. today announced that Federal Minister for Tourism and Small Business, the Honorable Joe Hockey will officially launch the Peeltour.net.au Web site at a gala presentation on November 30, 2002. The launch will mark the completion of a twelve month long end-to-end project that saw OpenSearch plan, design, develop and maintain Western Australia’s most innovative tourism portal.

The Peeltour.net.au Web portal is a collaborative pilot initiative between the Peel Regional Tourist Association, Western Australian Tourism Commission and the Australian Tourism Commission. Significant local contributions have come from OpenSearch (technology), Challenger TAFE (training) and over 300 local tourism operators that have enthusiastically supported the project from conception.

Although the Peeltour.net.au portal will be officially launched in November, it has been available to the public since early September. The site served nearly two thousand sessions on the week beginning the 15th of September, particularly impressive given it was just two weeks after it was made available to the public. Another pleasing aspect is the site’s apparent appeal to international visitors with nearly 50% of all site visitors coming from outside Australia. Japan, China, Singapore, USA and United Kingdom are among the top ranking countries visiting the portal.

Solid research and planning, choosing the smartest (and most appropriate) technology and partnering with a professional technology and training partner have been the cornerstones of this project, commented David Holland, former Peel RTA Chairman and brainchild of the project.

About OpenSearch:

OpenSearch is a leading provider of IT solutions to businesses, governments and dot coms around the world. OpenSearch’s suite of Web applications provides business-to-consumer and business-to-business E-commerce solutions for a diverse range of business situations. OpenSearch’s range of solutions and services allow e-businesses to leverage the Internet to reduce costs, maximise productivity and revenue opportunities. With an unparalleled approach to further research, customer service and a strong network of alliance partners, all customers derive benefits from a relationship with OpenSearch that is second to none.

Contact: OpenSearch Pty. Ltd.
Jeff Loo
Phone: +61 8 9381 9886
E-mail: sales@opensearch.com